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In the previous article, we covered in detail how to register as an Empadronamiento (Residence Registration). In this article, let’s learn the second important step, the process of obtaining a TIE (Tarjeta de Identidad de Extranjero) card. If you have a residence permit and NIE number and the Empadron process is completed, the next step is to make a fingerprint appointment and get your physical TIE card. In this article, I will try to explain the whole process step by step, from the fingerprint appointment to the delivery of the card.
What is the Difference Between NIE and TIE?
The NIE number written on your passport is your ID number in Spain and stays with you for life. The TIE is your physical ID card that carries this number and allows you to stay in Spain legally. The main differences between the two can be summarized as follows:
– Your NIE number is permanent and you can see it in your passport when you get a residence permit
– The TIE is a credit card-sized ID card
– The TIE card is valid for a certain period of time and must be renewed at the end of the period
– Many official transactions cannot be carried out without your TIE card
What is a TIE and Why is it Needed?
The TIE card is the official identity document that foreigners who will stay in Spain for more than 90 days must obtain. This system, which was implemented in 1987, allows foreigners to document their legal status in Spain. With a valid TIE card, you can travel not only in Spain but also to all Schengen countries. This card makes many transactions easier in your daily life in Spain, for example, your TIE card will be required for obtaining a telephone line and renting a house. You can also benefit from a work permit depending on the type of visa you have. In short, the TIE card is an important identity card that documents your legal status in Spain and facilitates many official transactions.
What is Cita Previa de Extranjeria?
Cita Previa de Extranjería (Appointment of the Foreigners Office) is a system for making an appointment at the foreigners office. In Barcelona, you will need to make two different appointments for the TIE card process. The first of these is the Toma de huellas, which is the fingerprint appointment, and the second is the appointment to receive your prepared card.
These appointments are made online from the Administraciones Publicas website, I will explain this in detail in the rest of the article.
What Does Toma de Huellas Mean?
Toma de huellas is the Spanish equivalent of fingerprinting and is one of the first and most important steps of applying for a TIE card. For this process, you need to go to the foreigners office. Your application is checked by the officers and all your fingerprints are taken. The whole process takes about 15-20 minutes.
1. How to Make a Fingerprint Appointment?
We have compiled the steps you need to follow to make an appointment for fingerprints. This process is done through online platforms.
– Go to https://sede.administracionespublicas.gob.es
– Click on the “Acceder al Procedimiento” button below
– On the screen that appears, select Barcelona from the selection field next to “PROVINCIAS DISPONIBLES“, continue by saying Aceptar
– Select the office with “Selecciona Oficina“, make sure to select “POLICIA-TOMA DE HUELLA (EXPEDICIÓN DE TARJETA)” under “TRÁMITES POLICÍA NACIONAL”
– On the screen that appears, it mentions the documents required for the application, I will list them separately. At the bottom of the page, click on the ”Presentación sin Cl@ve” section on the right
– On the screen that appears, select NIE, First Name, Last Name and Country and click Aceptar
– A screen with multiple buttons appears, click on the ”Solicitar Cita” button
– If you are lucky, the appointment selection screen will appear and you will be able to complete the appointment process, otherwise you can continue trying with different offices in this way
– If the appointment is completed successfully, do not forget to print the approval document
Required Documents for Fingerprint Appointment
You have solved the difficult appointment part, to avoid problems, make sure you have the following documents with you when you go to the appointment.
– Appointment confirmation document
– Original passport
– Photocopy of the first page of the passport and the residence permit page
– Empadronamiento document
– 2 32×26 Carnet size photos, if you search for photo on Google Maps, you can find dozens of places
– Fill out the EX-17 form and print it
– Fill out the form via Modelo 790 Código 012, you can review the form here as an example. Download the Tasa form with ”Descargar impreso rellenado” at the bottom of the page, make the payment using BBVA or different bank ATMs and get the receipt. Keep the printouts of all forms with you.
2. Receiving the TIE (Residence Card) and Lote Number
Lote Number
After giving your fingerprints, you will receive a document with the lot number and the information of the office where you will receive your residence card. Keep this document because you will need it when you go to collect your TIE card, you can find a copy of the document below.
There are several websites where you can track the lot number, but I have reviewed them all one by one, the most up-to-date batch information is given by forms24.es. You can access the current lot information by selecting your city and the relevant office.
Appointment to Collect Residence Card
Update: Recently, many people have started to receive their TIE cards without an appointment. When it is your turn to Lote, you can go to the relevant office and try to get your card.
Usually it’s your turn after 30 days, I received my card 30 days after giving my first fingerprint. The appointment to receive your residence card works the same way as your fingerprint, you just proceed by making different choices.
– Go to https://sede.administracionespublicas.gob.es
– Click on the “Acceder al Procedimiento” button below
– On the screen that appears, select Barcelona from the selection field next to ”PROVINCIAS DISPONIBLES”, click Aceptar
– Select the office with “Selecciona Oficina“, make sure that under ”TRÁMITES POLICÍA NACIONAL” you select ”POLICIA – RECOGIDA DE TARJETA DE IDENTIDAD DE EXTRANJERO (TIE)” this time
– On the screen that appears, you will see which lote number has received the card last
– If your lote number is equal or lower, you are ready for the appointment to receive the card
– If the appointment is completed successfully, do not forget to print the confirmation document
Frequently Asked Questions
Is the fingerprint and collection appointment free?
You only need to pay a small fee before going to the fingerprint appointment.
How many days does it take?
After giving your fingerprints, you can usually collect your card 30 days later.
I can’t find an appointment, what should I do?
Since so many people do the same thing, finding an appointment can sometimes be an ordeal. For this, you can ask your lawyer for help if you have one or contact third-party appointment providers.
Do I need to make an appointment every time?
Some offices in Barcelona can deliver your card without an appointment. However, if you need an appointment for the office specified in your document, you need to make one.
I’m in Spain and my card was stolen, what should I do?
You go to the nearest police station and have a report drawn up, then follow the appointment steps above and this time select the item containing ”DUPLICADO”.
I’m in Turkey and my card was stolen, what should I do?
Similarly, you go to the nearest police station and have a report drawn up, have the report translated into Spanish, and have the notary and apostille procedures done. Previously, you could apply for an EXT visa and get a 1-week approval, but with the new regulation, you need to re-apply for a Schengen visa.
As with every bureaucratic process in Barcelona, everyone has different experiences with the TIE card process. Some people get an appointment right away, while others wait a little longer, but the process basically works as above. I hope this guide has been helpful in your TIE card application process. I will continue to update this article if there are any updates regarding the process.
Once you have received your TIE card, you are now ready to open a bank account. The Bank Account For Students article can help you with this.
